Xhilrian

We're trying to decide on an algae eater so that our tank stays a bit cleaner (but not as a substitute for regular cleaning of course). I don't think a chinese algae eater will do well in our tank because of what I've read, and because the pet store person suggested one.
We're looking into a plecostomus, but we've heard that they chase other fish and eat their slime coat, so should we bother or is there another species out there?

Xhilrian

It really does. Thanks!

Xhilrian

I really appreciate it. And I'm glad everyone's either patient, or willing to pretend to be. We jumped into this way before we were ready. Its more complicated than it looks.

mathas

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree on that one. Seeing how much waste my bristlenoses produce, that's a lot of bio-load to add to a 10g tank, let alone a 10g tank that already has 7 fish and a frog.

Xhilrian, I personally wouldn't add anything else.

Xhilrian

Well, now we're thinking about a... oh what's it called... corydoras catfish! And another frog. The wouldn't completely overload the tank... right?

Lucy

Xhilrian did ask what would be a good algae eater for their tank.

I agree with Mathas, it's recommended that the bristlenose pleco be kept in at least 20g.
http://www.aquariumlife.net/profiles...eco/100049.asp

The tank is already overstocked, it wouldn't be a good idea to add anything else.

If you have algae problems, try decreasing the amount of time the light is on.

mathas

I don't know much about frogs, but corys are social fish and do best in schools of three or more. That would be overstocked in my opinion, but diligent attention to water parameters could make it work. I wouldn't risk it, but it's your tank and your decision.

Xhilrian

Oh. Okay. Well, I'm glad that we didn't just decide to go get the catfish and the frog, then wonder why everything is suddenly dying. Again.
Thanks for all the help everyone. You just saved some tiny lives.

Lucy

ADF's are usually counted as 2.5" of fish.